Yellow stingray
📖 Overview
Commonly found along sandy beaches to the water's edge, and especially in sandy areas in and around coral reefs . Raises front end of disc to attract prey seeking shelter . Feeds on shrimps, probably also on small fishes, clams, and worms . Known to be capable of inflicting dangerous wounds with its venomous spine. Easily approached . A live-bearing species, produces 3 to 4 young .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Edge of disk no sharp angles, no dorsal fin. Well-developed caudal fin extends around tip of tail, doubly serrate spine near caudal fin base . Disk yellowish, with dark vermiculations and spots that form a variety of patterns on upper surface . Lower surface is yellowish, greenish or brownish white, tail with dark spots.: other.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Yellow stingray is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Male grasps disc margin of female, swings under her and inserts a clasper. Mating pair is surrounded by other males that swim around and nudge them. Dugger (1987) observed both male and female biting the pectoral fin of its mate .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 25 m . Tropical; 37°N - 7°N, 100°W - 59°W North Carolina, USA to northern South America.
🌿 Ecology
shrimps, probably also on small fishes, clams, and worms (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Yellow stingray is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 69 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Yellow stingray has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 23 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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